Strengths And Warnings Of Vermicomposting
Vermiculture makes use of worms, earthworms to be exact to cultivate land. Vermicompost is the excreta or the waste of worms that came from human household wastes that are consumed by the worms, processed in their body and excreted into a form of fertilizer which is more commonly known as vermicompost.
There are many advantages vermicomposting has to offer. It is very good for our eco system because it is natural and has no chemicals involved. Another is that it has no contradicting effect to the soil, the plants and to the environment. Also vermicomposting can help the oxygen pass through the soil whenever the worms are digging in it. Cultivated lands can help with the growth of plants by boosting their root progress, such as strength and nutrient absorption. Because this is abundant in organic matter content, the water retention capacity of the soil is improved. Lastly, it improves both macro and micro nutrients status of the soil.
There are certain precautions on how you would maintain your vermicompost. First is that it should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it will lessen the moisture level of the soil thereby also killing the worms within it. You can constantly spray water to maintain the moisture of the soil. Mortality of these worms is also very essential in this project as the worms are the main ingredient to make this work. Make sure that they are far from rodents or insects that might possibly kill and eat them.
In producing vermicompost, one should prepare and select the suitable site. Placing it in a shaded area that is not reachable by flood is ideal. It should also be near to compost materials sources. The container should have walls so that the worms will be busy within the walls only. Then you must prepare the compost materials that you will be feeding these worms. Materials should now be placed in the container all together and adding water to have a 60% moisture level depending on how dry the materials that were placed and cover with plastic to start the anaerobic process for one to two weeks time. A ratio of 1000 worms: 1 square meter with 100kg – 200kg of compost materials is ideal. Next is to place screens or materials that prevent the worms from being eaten by predators like rats, ants and birds. Make sure to maintain the level of moisture to 60%. Usually you can have results in around 30 to 45 days, which by then you can have them collected and stored in a cool and dry area.
When you’ve got any additional questions concerning this topic, be sure to have a look at my website and learn about www.worm-composting-guide.com.